Funeral train for Bush the first for a president since 1969

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush passes through Magnolia, Texas, Thursday, December 6, 2018, along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train carrying the casket of former President George H.W. Bush passes Thursday, December 6, 2018, along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The body of former President George H.W. Bush took a 70-mile journey Thursday aboard a special funeral train, reviving a tradition that hasn't been done in 50 years.

The train carried Bush's casket from Houston to College Station, where he will be buried next to his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, and 3-year-old daughter Robin, who died in 1953. The train was pulled by a special locomotive designated for the 41st president with the numbers "4141." It's been painted in the same blue, gray and white livery as Air Force One.

Bush, who died Friday at age 94, was honored Wednesday in a state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., which included a eulogy by his son, former President George W. Bush. Air Force One later flew Bush's casket to Houston where a private funeral at St. Martin's Episcopal Church will be held Thursday. Afterward, his casket was placed on the funeral train for the trip to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station.

Union Pacific Railroad painted the train 12 years ago in preparation for the president's final journey.

"[The funeral train] is an opportunity for a large swath of the population to pay their final respects to someone who has done so much for our country," Scott Moore, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Union Pacific, told Atlas Obscura.

The procession left at 1 p.m. CST Thursday for the two hour and 25 minute trip. The train moved slower than normal so well wishers could see the casket in a car with glass on both sides. It did not make any stops along the way.

Bush's was the first funeral train for a U.S. president in nearly 50 years. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the last to have one, in 1969.

The tradition dates back to 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln's body was transported from Washington D.C. to Springfield, Ill., after his assassination. The route roughly followed the route Lincoln had taken to get to Washington after winning the presidency in 1860. Presidents traveled in their own special passenger car, as there was no Air Force One yet.

The tradition was revived in 1945 when Franklin D. Roosevelt's body was taken from Warm Springs, Ga., to Washington for his state funeral. After, it carried Roosevelt north to Hyde Park, N.Y., for burial. The newly-sworn-in president, Harry S. Truman, and all nine Supreme Court justices also made the trip.

Other statesmen have also been honored with a funeral train. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Los Angeles while running for president in 1968, was transported from New York City to Washington after his memorial service.

Memorial services honor former President George H.W. Bush

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a joint services military honor guard followed by family members at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Thursday in College Station, Texas. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard followed by family members. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets salute as they line up on Barbara Bush Drive, an entrance way to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Pool photo by Jeff Roberson/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the hearse arrives on the Texas A&M campus Thursday. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train carrying the casket passes through Navasota, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train passes along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket passes through Magnolia, Texas on Thursday along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket of the former president passes through Magnolia, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush watch as the flag-draped casket of the former president is carried by a joint services military honor guard on Thursday in Spring, Texas, to a Union Pacific train. At left is Columba Bush and her husband, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and at far right is Barbara Bush and her husband Craig Coyne. Army Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region salutes. Pool Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard on Thursday. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train carrying the casket of the former president passes along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the train passes. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects with a sign that reads "Thank You!" Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A woman holds a sign that reads "Rest in Peace, George." Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Family members are escorted as the funeral service concludes at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on Thursday in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Family members and friends pray during the funeral service. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush embraces former Secretary of State James Baker, right, after he gave a eulogy during the funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Thursday in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard carries the flag-draped casket the former president after the funeral. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People line the road as the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket heads to the Union Pacific train facility. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People line the road as the hearse heads to the Union Pacific train facility. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Nolan Ryan looks back as he arrives. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Former NBA basketball player Yao Ming arrives for the funeral. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

People pay their respects as the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush lies in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church on Wednesday at Ellington Field in Houston. Pool photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The casket of former President George Herbert Walker Bush is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush following the funeral of the 41st President of the United States on Wednesday. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush gets emotional as he speaks at the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush delivers remarks at the funeral for his father. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter participate in the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Former President George W. Bush smiles with former first lady Laura Bush. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The casket of is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

People line the streets to pay their respects as the hearse with the casket passes by on the way to Andrews Air Force Base. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

People line the streets to pay their respects as the hearse drives by. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

People line Pennsylvania Avenue to pay their respects. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

A woman waves a flag as the hearse containing the coffin of the former president passes by. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The casket is followed out of the National Cathedral by sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Sons George W. Bush and Jeb Bush watch as the casket of their father is placed in a hearse. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The casket is taken out of the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

The casket is taken out of the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The former presidents and first ladies read along in the program. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter attend the state funeral service of former President George H.W. Bush. Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo

Former President Barack Obama (R) speaks with former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

From left to right, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listen during the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush shakes hands with his daughter Jenna Bush Hager after she spoke during the funeral. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, touches the casket of her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, after speaking at his State Funeral. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a military honor guard into the National Cathedral. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

The casket arrives for the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

A joint service honor guard carries the casket into the cathedral. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The casket arrives for the funeral. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

A joint service honor guard carries the casket out of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo

From right, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush and Sharon Bush, stand as the flag-draped casket carrying the 41st president is carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

Jeb Bush puts a hand on the back of brother George W. Bush (R) as they attend the arrival of the casket at the National Cathedral. Neil Bush is at left. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Children, George W. Bush (R), Jeb Bush (C) and Neil Bush and their wives, watch the casket arrive at the National Cathedral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried from the Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The hearse carrying the casket arrives at the National Cathedral for the funeral. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Visitors gather before the state funeral at the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI | License Photo

Former Sen. Bob Dole stands, with assistance, to salute the casket of the former president at the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. Dole is confined to a wheelchair. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Former first lady Laura Bush and former President George W. Bush greet President Donald Trump outside Blair House on Tuesday. The Trumps were paying a condolence visit to the Bush family. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI | License Photo

Bush lies in state at the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. Photo by Morry Gash/UPI | License Photo

Sully, the service dog for former President George H. W. Bush, rests in front of the coffin. His next mission will be to work with veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Donald Trump, joined by Melania Trump, salutes the casket at the Capitol. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Donald Trump, joined by Melania Trump, salutes the casket at the Capitol. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard carries the casket into the Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker (L) and former Vice President Dan Quayle (R) await the arrival of the procession. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush and other family members watch as the flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket into the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

Members of the Supreme Court pause in front of the flag-draped casket. Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais/UPI | License Photo

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers remarks at a memorial service. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Pallbearers carry the casket into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday. Photo by Morry Gash/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The casket is carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Photo by Doug Mills/UPI | License Photo

Former first lady Laura Bush (L) and former President George W. Bush (2nd-L) place their hands over their hearts as the casket arrives at the U.S Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard team carries the casket into the U.S Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush watches as the flag-draped casket of his father is carried by a joint services military honor guard to lie in state. Photo by Alex Brandon/UPI | License Photo

The hearse carrying the casket arrives at the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is carried by a joint services military honor guard in Houston on Monday. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Members of the Bush family, including former President George W. Bush, arrive for a departure ceremony at Ellington Field in Houston as the casket is prepared for the flight to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Sully, the yellow Labrador retriever who was Bush's service dog, was at Ellington Field for the departure ceremony. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

The flag-draped casket is loaded by a joint services military honor guard onto Special Air Mission 41 at Ellington Field. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

Members of the military honor guard walk away after the casket was loaded onto the plane. Photo by David J. Phillip/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard marches onto the tarmac prior to the arrival of the remains of the former president. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo

A military honor guard marches toward the plane that would be designated Special Air Mission 41 prior to the arrival of the remains. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo

George W. Bush and Laura Bush are escorted to the plane. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo